{"id":1912,"date":"2021-09-01T15:19:05","date_gmt":"2021-09-01T15:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/?p=1912"},"modified":"2026-04-23T18:52:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T18:52:48","slug":"how-to-save-water-during-the-california-drought","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/how-to-save-water-during-the-california-drought\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Water During the California Drought?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">California&#8217;s water situation is a serious concern. The state is battling another drought, and everyone feels the impact, from residents to major industries. We&#8217;re all being asked to cut back on water usage\u2014and for good reason. If you&#8217;re looking for practical ways to make a difference and save water during this ongoing challenge, you&#8217;re in the right place. Our team, with decades of field experience, has seen firsthand how crucial every drop is.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Cut Back on Lawn Watering<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lawns are massive water hogs. Plain and simple. It\u2019s time to rethink that thirsty turf. Either swap it out for drought-tolerant landscaping (xeriscaping, if you want the technical term) or drastically reduce how often you water it. What we&#8217;ve found is that many residential lawns consume more water than necessary, often hundreds of gallons per week. Less water on the lawn means more for essential uses: showering, cooking, or even just flushing.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Prioritize Native Plants<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;re planting, choose native species. Plants not indigenous to Southern California usually demand far more water to survive than those naturally adapted to our climate. Native plants thrive here with minimal intervention. Plus, they support local ecosystems, providing vital habitats for birds and pollinators. It&#8217;s a win-win for water conservation and biodiversity.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Fix Those Leaks \u2014 Seriously<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your water bill tells a story. Check it every month. If it&#8217;s higher than expected, you likely have a leak somewhere in the house or yard. Even a small drip from a faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per month\u2014imagine that adding up across a city. Find those leaks and get them fixed. Can&#8217;t pinpoint it? Hire a professional plumber or, better yet, invest in a smart leak detection system. These devices can save you a lot of money and water in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Upgrade Old Appliances and Fixtures<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Outdated appliances and fixtures are often incredibly inefficient. Old dishwashers, washing machines, showerheads, and toilets? They&#8217;re draining your water supply. Newer models are designed for efficiency, using significantly less water per cycle or flush. For example, modern low-flow toilets use about 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) compared to 3.5 GPF or more from older units. Replacing them isn&#8217;t just about saving water; it&#8217;s an investment that reduces both water and energy costs over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Implement Simple Daily Habits<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Small changes add up. Here are a few straightforward tricks to integrate into your daily routine:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. It&#8217;s an old one, but it works.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Don\u2019t let water run continuously while showering, washing dishes, shaving, or cleaning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Run washing machines and dishwashers only when you have a full load. This maximizes efficiency and saves water and energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Instead of letting the shower run until it\u2019s warm, collect that initial cold water in a bucket. Use it for watering plants or cleaning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Clean sidewalks and driveways with a broom, not a hose. It&#8217;s often more effective anyway.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Skip daily car washes. A quick wipe-down with a cloth for dust is usually sufficient.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Water outdoor plants in the early morning or evening. The midday sun causes excessive evaporation, meaning less water actually reaches the roots.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Shop Smarter<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Consider the &#8220;water footprint&#8221; of the products you buy. This means understanding how much water is needed to grow, produce, and package an item. When it comes to food, choose products that require less water to cultivate. It&#8217;s not just about food, though. Manufacturing consumer goods is incredibly water-intensive. Did you know a single cotton t-shirt can require around 650 gallons of water to produce? Or that a new smartphone might cost upwards of 3,000 gallons in its manufacturing process? Honestly, most buyers overlook this, but it&#8217;s a huge factor in global water consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Engage with Your Government<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While individual actions are vital, systemic change is just as crucial. Here&#8217;s the thing: households can save a lot, but government policies drive large-scale water conservation. Speak up! Ask your local and state officials to champion and enforce water-saving legislation. Attend city council meetings\u2014even virtually\u2014to stay informed on conservation plans. If you spot significant water wastage, report it to the authorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Stay Informed on Essential Water Technologies<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When drought impacts local water quality, having reliable solutions is paramount. That&#8217;s where products like AMPAC USA&#8217;s portable water purification systems come in. We&#8217;ve designed these Emergency Portable Watermakers as self-contained, easily transportable purification units. They&#8217;re critical for treating raw, untreated water sources, often found in challenging environments. Their primary function? Removing pathogens and toxic compounds that pose immediate health risks. We\u2019ve seen these systems deployed on military missions, in disaster zones, for remote camping operations, and in developing countries where safe drinking water is scarce.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">AMPAC USA engineers these portable watermakers with advanced Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology. They need feed water and a power source, but we often customize units with solar panels for off-grid emergencies\u2014a lifesaver when conventional power isn&#8217;t available. In our experience, the RO process consistently removes over 99% of contaminants, delivering quality drinking water instantly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our reverse osmosis portable water purification systems are available with flow rates ranging from 150 GPD (gallons per day) up to 1500 GPD, offering flexibility for various needs. Here\u2019s what makes them stand out:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Easy to transport.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Flexible and compact design, requiring minimal space.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Equipped with high-quality RO membranes and robust pre-filters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Quiet operation\u2014important in sensitive environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Simple On\/Off switch operation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavy-duty Pelican case wheels ensure true mobility.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To explore our full range of portable water treatment solutions, click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/products\/mobile-solar-water-treatment\/portable-water-purification-systems\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- Phase 2: FAQ Section --><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-section\">\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div>\n<h3>How quickly can an emergency water purification unit be deployed?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>AMPAC USA&#039;s EPRO and mobile RO units are designed for rapid deployment. They can typically be operational within 30\u201360 minutes of arrival on-site. Our trailer-mounted and skid-mounted systems come pre-plumbed and pre-wired, meaning you only need to connect a power source and a water inlet. These robust units are built to treat a variety of raw sources, including river water, lake water, or challenging brackish groundwater.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>What flow rates are available for emergency water treatment?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>We offer a wide spectrum of emergency systems, from highly portable 1,500 GPD units to large-scale, trailer-mounted systems capable of producing over 50,000 GPD. For military applications, our specialized units are built to MIL-SPEC standards for forward operating base deployment, consistently producing potable water that meets stringent EPA and WHO drinking water standards from virtually any available source.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Are emergency RO systems suitable for disaster relief operations?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Absolutely. AMPAC USA&#039;s emergency systems are trusted by organizations like FEMA, the U.S. military, and numerous international NGOs for critical disaster relief operations. These systems effectively treat flood water, heavily contaminated groundwater, and brackish sources, reliably removing bacteria, viruses, and a broad range of chemical contaminants to deliver safe drinking water precisely where it\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>What power sources can emergency water purification systems use?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Flexibility in power is key for emergency deployment. AMPAC USA&#039;s systems can run on various sources: traditional generator power (120\/240V or 480V 3-phase), solar panels with battery backup for true off-grid capability, or even vehicle power take-off (PTO). Our low-power models are particularly efficient, consuming as little as 0.5 kW, making them ideal for remote or constrained power environments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>How durable are military-grade water purification systems?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Durability is non-negotiable for military applications. AMPAC USA&#039;s military systems are engineered to exceed MIL-SPEC standards. They feature robust stainless steel frames, powder-coated components, and UV-resistant materials designed to withstand extreme conditions. These units are built to operate reliably in temperatures from -20\u00b0F to 120\u00b0F and undergo rigorous vibration-testing to ensure they endure transport in military vehicles across rough terrain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-references\">\n<h3>References<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>World Wildlife Fund. &#8220;The impact of a cotton t-shirt.&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/stories\/the-impact-of-a-cotton-t-shirt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/stories\/the-impact-of-a-cotton-t-shirt<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The Guardian. &#8220;The water cost of your smartphone: 12,000 litres to make a single device.&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sustainable-business\/2015\/jan\/19\/water-cost-smartphone-12000-litres\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sustainable-business\/2015\/jan\/19\/water-cost-smartphone-12000-litres<\/a><\/li>\n<li>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. &#8220;National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sdwa\/drinking-water-regulations-and-contaminants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sdwa\/drinking-water-regulations-and-contaminants<\/a><\/li>\n<li>World Health Organization. &#8220;Guidelines for drinking-water quality.&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789240045064\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789240045064<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Phase 2: Conclusion Section --><\/p>\n<div class=\"conclusion-section\">\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Ultimately, emergency and military-grade water purification systems are vital for providing safe drinking water quickly, even in the most challenging field conditions. For communities and operations facing water scarcity or contamination, these technologies offer a critical lifeline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The water situation in California is getting out of hand. Here are a few useful tips on how to save water during the California drought.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2179,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[330],"tags":[323,324],"class_list":["post-1912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-water","tag-drought","tag-save-water"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1912","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1912"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1912\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88794,"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1912\/revisions\/88794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1912"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1912"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ampac1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1912"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}